My #imjustdrew movement resumes after a couple of weeks off from posting and the reveal for my upcoming book “From Dark To Sunshine: Making Unlimited Friends And Connections.” However, I have been experiencing something I experience a lot mid summer: social exclusion.
I really had to do my research for this subject as it has a lot of depth to it and ties to childhood. You see, we all get left out of parties, gatherings, group runs, vacations, reunions, etc for the pettiest reasons. What many do not realize (and I didn’t either) is that all of this is a form of bullying. Many of you know how I feel about that.
I do not like even feeling like I’m being excluded and now it’s coming full circle. Many people did this to others as children and are continuing the behavior as adults. It’s more subtle bullying, which can be way worse than physical or picking at someone. You are basically saying although they seem loyal to you, they’re only good sometimes or not at all. It’s the syndrome from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, you may be different, and you’re not invited to participate in any reindeer games.
This goes further. It seems many people try to also exclude others from associating with you for other reasons also. They don’t you want you around because you’re too opinionated, not “woke enough” or you’re simply a threat. The latter comes into play on romantic relationships.
These friendships can often be toxic as that person or people may have you trapped. You think they are your friends but in reality they control you, tell you who you can and cannot talk to, get angry and jealous when they see you having other friends.
Now remember one of the big purposes of #imjustdrew is to have multiple and diverse connections. Social exclusion is in direct contradiction to this. It’s simple, you should only hang around those that enjoy your company, wouldn’t intentionally and repeatedly exclude you, and would not worry if you had different friends. They accept you for you, and trust you. Anything less is unacceptable.
Therefore, find these people, hold on to them, and don’t stress the rest. Let’s end social exclusion and all forms of bullying.
#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine
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